First, I am being thoroughly genuine when I say this - I love reading your posts.  I hope that they are helping you feel more comfortable about voicing your opinions as well as feeling more connected to our writing community.  It seems as if they're making you more thoughtful in regard to your writing and writing process . . . I also hope that they are helping you to think more about what is going on around you, and that you really are a part of "it". 

It sounds as if several of you are struggling with this second assignment.  Please know - the assignment was purposely designed to be open.  While many of you are writing about the fast food industry and our unhealthy diets, these are just two possible subjects.  For example, I would be interested in exploring farmers' markets, u-pick farms, the increase in home gardening and how one of these are being promoted in the media.  Do you see where I'm going?  I should have emphasized this more - pick something that interests you and affects you.

I'm off to Minnesota for the weekend, for my niece is getting married.  I'll let send you an update on Minneapolis cuisine.  Enjoy the weekend!